Gu Xinwei (9) leads the celebration of China following their five-set victory over USA to secure a spot in the semifinals of the inaugural FIVB Women's U23 World Championship Open

Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico, October 8, 2013 – China became the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals of the inaugural FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship Open following their 3-2 (25-15, 18-25, 14-25, 25-19, 15-5) victory over the United States on Tuesday at the State Auditorium in Mexicali.

The Chinese now have a total of 11 points (4-0 record) good at least for a second place in Pool B, followed by United States and Brazil who both are seated in second place with 9 points and 3-1 win-loss record.

Liu Yanhan topped China with 24 points, including five serving aces, while USA’s Gina Mancuso had a match-high 25 points in the losing effort.

“Sets two and three were not so good for us,” China’s Coach Xu Jiande stated. “We didn’t have the technique but in the last two ones recovered and played good again.”

“It was a great battle with ups and downs, but China played down the stretch and got the points,” USA Coach Karch Kiraly commented. “Now we have to prepare for Brazil.”

Saori Takahashi and Sarina Koga were the main offensive producers for the winners with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

“With the fast game we were able to get the points to close the sets,” Japan’s Shigekazu Okubo said. “We need to improve our tactics for the next matches.”

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic took a major step towards the semifinal phase with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12) victory over Italy. The Dominicans also have 10 points and meet winless Mexico on Wednesday.

Jeoselyna Rodriguez and Brayelin Martinez each recorded 22 points to lead the important win for the Dominican side.

Marcos Kwiek, the Brazilian Coach of Dominican Republic, said: “I feel good because we added three more points and are almost in the semifinals.”

In the last match of the evening in Tijuana, Turkey defeated Mexico in four sets (25-7, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19) to remain in contention for the final-four round.

Gozde Yilmaz had 4 aces among her team-leading 15 points and Nur Yurtdagulen added 11, including three blocks.

Turkey (3-1 with 8 points) play Japan in last day of pool play, needing a 3-0 or 3-1 victory to eliminate the Asian team from the medal contention. If the Japanese win they will advance as the winner of the group.

“If we play well we have the chance to beat Japan,” Turkish Mehmet Bedestenlioglu said after the match.